A Study on the Establishment of KEPIC Source Term Evaluation Criteria for Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning in Korea

This study aims to develop a systematic framework for establishing source term evaluation criteria within the Korea Electric Power Industry Code (KEPIC), specifically tailored for the decommissioning of nuclear power plants in Korea. As domestic nuclear facilities approach the end of their operational lifespans, accurate characterization of radiological source terms becomes essential for safe and efficient decommissioning planning. However, existing domestic standards lack clear procedures and technical guidelines for evaluating source terms during decommissioning. Through a comparative analysis of international standards—such as those from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—this study identifies gaps in current Korean regulatory and technical practices. Based on these findings, it proposes a roadmap for integrating source term evaluation methodologies into KEPIC. Key considerations include the use of plant-specific operational history, activation analysis, and radiological data collection systems. The outcomes of this research will support the safe dismantling of nuclear power plants, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve the reliability of radiation protection strategies throughout the decommissioning process.